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Edison State
Holds 42nd Annual Commencement Ceremony
First Graduate to Deliver Keynote Address
Edison State Community College will hold its 42nd annual spring
commencement ceremony on Friday, May 12, 2017, at 7 p.m. in the North
Hall on the Piqua Campus.
Nearly 400 students will be earning a total of 440 degrees or
certificates in business, computer information technology, engineering
technology, health science, industrial management and technology, and
social and legal services at this year’s graduation.
Edison State is pleased to announce that Miami County Commissioner, Mr.
Gregory A. Simmons, will deliver the ceremony’s keynote address.
When the college opened its doors, Simmons was the first student to
earn a diploma. He now holds a bachelors and masters degree in
education from Wright State University and Parkersburg Bible College
and has since encouraged his family to follow in his footsteps.
“Four of my children have graduated from Edison State. I also have a
stepson who will graduate from Edison State in December with a degree
in computer information technology. My first wife, who has passed away,
was also one of the first nursing graduates,” said Simmons.
“Edison State has been really good to my family and me.”
Before college, Simmons served four years in the United States Navy
being deployed overseas three times during the Vietnam conflict.
“I was able to attend Edison State on the G.I. Bill. My counselor
informed me that I had enough credits to transfer to Wright State, so I
did. At the time, they were both located in Piqua, and I lived in
Piqua, so it made it nice for me.”
Simmons also taught juvenile justice and delinquency in addition to the
first several police academies offered at Edison State. He also
directed government agencies for over 25 years, retiring from his
14-year role as the Director of West Central Juvenile Facility.
Commencement will also include a welcome and introduction from Mr.
Thomas Milligan, Edison State Board of Trustees Chairman; greetings
from Stan Evans, Chairman of the Foundation Board of Directors;
presentation of candidates for degree by Chris Spradlin, Provost; and
special acknowledgments from Edison State President, Dr. Doreen
Larson.
A reception for the graduates and those attending to celebrate this
milestone with them will be held immediately following the ceremony.
Photo: Gregory Simmons
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